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Missouri DE and NFL prospect Michael Sam announces he is gay

The NFL could have its first openly gay player in a matter of months. In multiple interviews published Sunday night, Missouri defensive lineman Michael Sam said he is gay. Sam — who could be drafted in May —

Two executives in personnel for NFL teams, speaking on condition of anonymity for competitive reasons, told USA TODAY Sports they had Sam rated as a third-day prospect even before Sunday's announcement and didn't think it would have a substantive impact on his status.

"I applaud him for it," one of the executives said. "I'm pretty confident people won't care."

Sam was a USA TODAY All-America pick and was also named the 2013 Southeastern Conference's defensive player of the year by the Associated Press and co-defensive player of the year by SEC coaches. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports

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A Hitchcock, Texas, native, Sam made his watershed announcement via interviews with ESPN and the Times that were published simultaneously Sunday night.

He said he went public now in part because many seemed aware of his sexual orientation at the Senior Bowl two weeks ago.

"I didn't realize how many people actually knew, and I was afraid that someone would tell or leak something out about me," Sam told ESPN. "I want to own my truth. ... No one else should tell my story but me."

He celebrated in advance by having dinner Saturday with a group that included former NFL running back Dave Kopay, who was one of the first ex-players to come out as gay, and former punter Chris Kluwe and linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, who both have been outspoken in their support of gay rights.

"He's very much a good kid, very passionate about football and well-spoken," Kluwe told USA TODAY Sports. "I think he'll do great."

Though no NFL player has announced publicly he's gay while his career is active, several former players — including Esera Tuaolo, Kwame Harris and Wade Davis — have said they're gay after retiring.

"Michael is first and foremost a talented football player, and his humility and heart will reshape the way that Americans think about LGBT people and the sports world," Davis, who now serves as executive director of LGBT sports organization You Can Play, said in a statement.

"His story sends a message to LGBT young people, especially young black men, that you are free to show up in the world as your authentic self and others will embrace you. When I came out after playing in the NFL, I felt the suuport from fans, teammates and the league and I know he will be embraced and continue to inspire."

Sarah Kate Ellis, president of the advocacy organization GLAAD, said in a statement Sam "has demonstrated the leadership that, along with his impressive skills on the field, makes him a natural fit for the NFL. With acceptance of LGBT people rising across our coasts — in our schools, churches and workplaces — it's clear America is ready for an openly gay football star."

The NFL has been preparing for this moment. In April, the NFL sent a sexual orientation anti-discrimination and harassment policy to all club presidents, coaches and general managers, who shared it with their staffs. The collective-bargaining agreement also includes anti-discrimination language.

"Michael is a great example of just how important it is to be respectful of others," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said in a statement. "He's taught a lot of people here first-hand that it doesn't matter what your background is or your personal oreientation, we're all on the same team and we all support each other.

"If Michael doesn't have the support of his teammates like he did this past year, I don't think there's any way he has the type of season he put together."

Said Foxworth: "That is what being a team, a man, a brother is all about. I'm proud to be linked to those men even if our link is only that we both played football. This is the same level of support I expect a gay player to receive from teammates in the NFL."